Support HB24–1349: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax
Good news! HB24–1349 will soon be heading to the Senate floor for a vote. Join Violence Free Colorado, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), and Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) in showing strong public support for this legislation by asking your Senator to vote ‘Yes’ on HB24–1349 TODAY! See below for a call/email script and legislator contact information.
EMAIL SCRIPT:
SUBJECT: Support HB24–1349, Please Vote ‘Yes’ on Firearms and Ammunitions Excise Tax
“My name is [Your Name], and I am calling/writing to ask that you vote ‘YES’ on HB24–1349 (House Bill thirteen forty-nine), the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax. I care about supporting the healing of people who have experienced trauma, including veterans and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and other victims of crime because [your reasons]. For these reasons, your vote on this bill is incredibly important to me.
This bill would give Colorado voters the opportunity to prioritize the wellbeing of Coloradans and create a sustainable funding source for victim support services. I hope I can count on your ‘yes’ vote on HB24–1349.”
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[City & Zip Code]
Colorado State Senators’ Emails: *Send a bulk email using the BCC function to send an email to all 35 Senators*
mark.baisley@senate.co.com; jeff.bridges.senate@coleg.gov; janet.buckner.senate@coleg.gov; james.coleman.senate@coleg.gov; lisa.cutter.senate@coleg.gov; jessie.danielson.senate@coleg.gov; tony.exum.senate@coleg.gov; stephen.fenberg.senate@coleg.gov; rhonda.fields.senate@coleg.gov; bob.gardner.senate@coleg.gov; joann.ginal.senate@coleg.gov; julie.gonzales.senate@coleg.gov; chris.hansen.senate@coleg.gov; nick.hinrichsen.senate@coleg.gov; sonya.jaquez.lewis.senate@coleg.gov; barbara.kirkmeyer.senate@coleg.gov; chris.kolker.senate@coleg.gov; larry.liston.senate@coleg.gov; paul.lundeen.senate@coleg.gov; janice.marchman.senate@coleg.gov; dafna.michaelson.jenet.senate@coleg.gov; kyle.mullica.senate@coleg.gov; byron.pelton.senate@coleg.gov; rod.pelton.senate@coleg.gov; kevin.priola.senate@coleg.gov; janicerichsd7@gmail.com; dylan.roberts.senate@coleg.gov; robert.rodriguez.senate@coleg.gov; cleave.simpson.senate@coleg.gov; SenatorSmallwood@gmail.com; tom.sullivan.senate@coleg.gov; kevin.vanwinkle.senate@coleg.gov; perry.will.senate@coleg.gov; faith.winter.senate@coleg.gov; senatorrachelz@gmail.com
BACKGROUND
Colorado is currently facing a dual crisis as rates of gun violence increase while funding for recovery and support services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes is cut in half. Continuous budget cuts without alternative funding sources devastate community providers, leaving survivors without the necessary resources or support. Meanwhile, others who have experienced trauma, including military veterans and at-risk youth, face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. Gun violence is inextricably connected with greater risks of death in domestic and sexual violence.
Our proposed solution, HB24–1349: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax, would place a ballot question on the November 2024 ballot asking voters whether to approve an excise tax on gun manufacturers, gun dealers, and ammunition vendors in order to create sustainable funding for both victim services and mental health services. If passed, the revenue would directly fund Crime Victim Services Grants and mental health services for military veterans and at-risk youth.
GET INVOLVED
In addition to contacting these legislators directly, please use this social media toolkit to broadcast our message widely! Finally, please sign on to the Colorado Supports Crime Victim Services Coalition, launched by our three statewide coalitions, to support HB24–1349.